Frances Otis' Obituary
Frances Eugene Otis, a beloved matriarch, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and
great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her Richmond, California home on April 2, 2024,
fulfilling her wish for a tranquil departure from this world. She was born in Teague, Texas on September
6, 1930 and later moved with her family to Bryan, Texas before relocating to California in 1947.
Frances was the eldest child of Monroe Price and Charles Etta Shannon. In her youth, Frances attended
Kemp High School in Bryan, where she excelled in sports like track, basketball, and softball. She also
earned the honor of being crowned "Queen" after winning a school competition. Her all-time favorite
singer was Billy Eckstine and during her teens she formed a friendship group with six classmates that
they self-named the "Big 7," which was well-known around campus for the close bond they shared.
Serving Jehovah was Frances’ life. Growing up in Texas, she was introduced to Jehovah at a young age by
her mother who became a faithful Jehovah’s Witness in the 1950s, during which she had the opportunity
to attend the International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York. Frances also became a
Witness later in life, was baptized in 1985 at the Fremont California Circuit Assembly, and loved working
in the ministry until her health prevented her from doing so. For many years, she enjoyed hosting and
fellowshipping with her sisters at her home for brunch and other events. She also participated in her
congregation’s letter writing work that brought her much happiness and always looked forward to
attending the Regional Convention and Circuit Assemblies each year she was able.
Frances faithfully lived her life according to Matthew 22:37 of the New World Translation of the Holy
Scriptures that “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and
with your whole mind.” Frances’ number one priority was to serve Jehovah. Participating in her
congregation’s weekly Ministry School was the highlight of her week, whether she was able to attend in
person or join from her home via teleconference.
Frances married James A. Thomas, Jr. in 1947, through which union she was blessed with her children
James Andrew Thomas III, Laverne Carver Thomas, Othello Eugene Thomas, Tristan T. Thomas, and
Denise Lynell Blanco. In 1974, she married Frank Louis Otis, with whom she remained until his passing in
2003, and was further blessed with her children Mathaline Vinette Otis and Frank Louis Otis, Jr.
Frances was a dedicated worker throughout her life and enjoyed the many experiences to which she was
exposed while working for Del Monte Cannery, Montgomery Ward, Marlene's Boutique Warehouse, and
the UC Berkeley Naval Bio Sciences Lab, where she worked 15 years before retiring at the age of 55. In
that role, she contributed significantly in various administrative support capacities, including the
distribution of important materials to researchers around the world for use in advancing biomedical
scientific discoveries.
Frances was known for her unconditional love of family, her endearing humor, and her tendency to be a
“night owl,” staying up late to watch television during her golden years. She had a special fondness for
the color yellow and cherished moments with her loved ones, often greeting them with her trademark
phrase, "Come give Grandma some sugar!"
She was an exceptional cook, especially known for her signature German chocolate cake, lemon
meringue pie, carrot cake and oxtails. She also found joy in collecting specialty Barbie dolls and amassed
an impressive, large collection over the course of her life.
To say Frances had a giving spirit is an understatement. She was unquestionably selfless in her support
of family through the happiest of times, but most notably, through some of their most challenging
experiences. When she realized her 80-year-old father Monroe was having difficulty living alone in Texas,
she graciously moved him into her California home so she could help care for him. That act of love not
only blessed her father with 17 years of additional life living on the West Coast, but it also gave the gift
to her entire family of having the opportunity to know and spend quality time with their grandfather,
great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather.
Frances also was a dedicated niece to her aunt Viola Woods, with whom she was close her entire life and
lovingly helped care for during Viola’s twilight years as she struggled through several health challenges.
Throughout Frances’ life whenever extended family reached out for help, she was unwavering in
providing emotional support and often also graciously provided other forms of assistance to help loved
ones in need. She was an angel to so many.
Frances’ children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were also blessed
in countless ways by her deep, unfaltering devotion, loyalty, encouragement, and support. She was the
center of her family, both its rock and its heart. And for that, her family respected and loved her deeply.
Frances leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love and strength that will forever live on in
the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her impact on her family and community will be deeply
missed, always felt, and never forgotten.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank, daughter Mathaline, stepson Ronald Otis,
and siblings Earnestine Penn, Walker Henry Price, Charles “Bubba” Price, Wendell “Killer” Price, Georgia
Ruth “Pee Wee” Jackson, and Emma Louise “Lulu” Louder.
She is survived by her children James, Laverne, Othello (Stella), Tristan, Denise (Carlos), and Frank (Joy),
her sister Pamela “Cookie” Anderson-Jakubowski, as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Frances' grandchildren are Marketha Floyd (Gerald), Crissy Thomas-Taylor (Eric), Laverne Thomas, Jr.
(Amber), Tress Thomas-Travis (Alton), Latrice Nash (Dwayne), Tamika Thomas, Othello Thomas, Jr.,
Victoria Johnson (Myron), Erick Thomas, Andre Blanco (Rian), Brandon Thomas, Akisha Thomas, Mario
Blanco, Marco Blanco (Jaime), Frances Castillo (Kenneth), Frank Otis, III (Karessa), Jessica Johnson,
Lawrence Otis (Taleya), and Jamaal Johnson (Abby).
Her great-grandchildren are Aaliyah Thomas, Andrew Taylor, Azariah Jade Otis, Christian Smith, DeShaun
Thomas, Ericka Thomas, Jaliyah Eley, Jamari Rider, Joehn Andrews, Joshua Floyd, Kamron Otis, Kevin
Williams (Lesa), Kyrie Otis, Lauren Otis, Leo Thomas, Mahalia Blanco, Marley Blanco, Micah Blanco Hsu,
Makayla Thomas, Makkai Thomas, Nevarré Blanco, Sean Taylor, Sequoia Porter, and Shawntal Porter.
Frances was also blessed to have known and enjoyed time with her great-great-grandchildren Ariah
Williams, Aubree Eley, Kevin Williams II, and Kazin Williams.
What’s your fondest memory of Frances?
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Share a story where Frances' kindness touched your heart.
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